Skol303

I’m no guitarist… but I have a guitar ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/211966-just-bought-a-vintage-fake-now-refurbished/"]this one[/url]) and had some Dawsons vouchers burning a hole in a pocket, so decided to splurge on something I wouldn’t normally consider buying. Like a micro-amp! My usual modus operandi is to DI my guitar into my DAW software, which I then use to apply FX, amp-sims, whatever. It’s great. However, I fancied the idea of having a ‘real’ amp that I could use for noodling away from the computer - but didn’t want to spend much money. Our household was also in need of a portable hi-fi for taking into the garden on sunny days (!?) and for linking up to our family’s various hand-held gadgets (phones, iPad, etc). So I ended up buying one of these - a [b]Blackstar Fly 3[/b] mini-amp: [url="http://www.blackstaramps.com/products/fly-3/"]http://www.blackstar...products/fly-3/[/url] First impressions - wow! It’s a piddly little thing - its footprint is about the size of a paperback book - but its little 3” / 3 Watt speaker makes a surprising amount of noise, and it’s [i]good[/i] noise too - nice coverage across the frequency range (with more low-end then I’d ever have expected) and a fairly decent built-in EQ and delay effect. I’m quite stoked about it I haven’t tried running a bass through it yet, but I’m guessing it would at least make a ‘usable’ practice amp for bass. [i]So…[/i] if you’re in the market for a micro-amp then I’d heartily recommend this one. It seems to have just as much gusto as practice amps twice its size (or more); a remarkable feat of wizardry by the folks at Blackstar. Hats off to ‘em

Yep, here's the link: http://www.gruvgear.com/fretwraps I use one for slapping on a 5-string[i] (to help compensate for my poor technique ) [/i]but I know a few peeps who frequently use them during studio work. They're basically an upmarket version of the more traditional hair scrunchy, for bassists without ponytails.

[size=4][quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1439304148' post='2841702'] The DJs that have been described here seem to be allowed (?) to 'create' something virtually in their studio space and then just turn up at the gig and press 'play'. I get that there is some sort of layering going on etc and some sort of real time process but that all sounds a bit like a justification to me. [/quote][/size] [color=#282828][font=Helvetica] [size=4]Hi Rob… have you checked out some of the YouTube links posted in this thread? Eg. the examples of scratch DJs; the jazz pianist turned ‘controllerism’ player?[/size][/font][/color] [font="Helvetica"][color="#282828"]They’re doing quite a lot more than just turning up at gigs and pressing ‘play’. I don’t think anyone could hope to match their performances without investing many years of practice. Certainly equal to learning a conventional musical instrument.[/color][/font] [color=#282828][font=Helvetica][size=4]Running a gig from a laptop or a digital ‘record’ deck, stitching together ready-made loops, is a different kettle of fish, granted. I agree that those methods are much less about musicianship and far more concerned with ‘live mixing’. Something quite different and 'less [/size][/font][/color][font="Helvetica"][color="#282828"]skilful' in a dextrous, musical sense.[/color][/font] [color=#282828][font=Helvetica] [size=4]But you’re right that it’s also about audience expectations. People who turn up to see a DJ or dance music act are primarily interested in the music itself - not the methods by which it’s made [i](I am of course grossly generalising…!).[/i] It’s very different to other music forms, where the musicians themselves tend to be the focus.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=Helvetica] [size=4]Hence the old slogan: “Faceless techno b*******!” [i](rhymes with scallops)[/i] [/size][/font][/color] [font="Helvetica"][color="#282828"]It’s a different set of rules by which EDM ‘musicians’ play by. But the end result tends to be a room/field/beach full of people dancing their butts off. Which is surely the goal of most musical performances?[/color][/font]

Great job! Nice backstage blagging too. "You'll go a long way..."

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1439284424' post='2841464'] If these people are making their own music before 'playing' it (or 'mixing' it?) live, surely that is the same as Beyonce dancing to backing tapes, isn't it?... The bit I struggle with is whether it is 'live music' in any meaningful sense. [/quote] Good question! There are certainly highly varying degrees of ‘liveness’ when it comes to performing electronic music. At one of the scale you have DJs using digital mixers and people performing with laptops. Both allow music to be created ‘on the fly’, but it largely involves stitching together ready-made loops in real time and playing some synth lines or adding some percussive elements over the top. So it’s more akin to live mixing than traditional musicianship. That said it still requires a lot of skill of the ‘spinning plates’ variety to make sure everything fits together and doesn’t fall apart. A step up from this is perhaps something like ‘controllerism’, as championed by people like Jeremy Ellis - [i]who also doubles as a jazz pianist…[/i] Easiest if I explain what he does using a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXwVQADYcx8 He's obviously 'playing' ready-made sounds, but he's playing them using a digital instrument. If this isn't musicianship, then I'd argue then anyone playing a synth-keyboard or virtual piano isn't a musician either. And then you have people who haul a bunch of gear on stage and perform everything ‘live’. People like Roni Size and Fingathing who perform drum’n’bass using a a traditional drum kit and upright bass; Disclosure - two young drummers from Surrey who belt out house music; Squarepusher - the modern-day equivalent of a one man band. And so on. TL/DR: There’s a lot more to DJing and performing electronic music than playing ready-made loops and other people's records (partly because nobody really plays records anymore ).[size=4] [font=Helvetica]Whether synthesised sounds count as being ‘authentic’ in comparison to analogue instruments that requiring plucking, strumming, bowing or blowing is another discussion.[/font][/size]

[size=4][quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1439213455' post='2840891'] ...frankly I'm getting so bored with lumpen rock combos churning out recycled riffs I'd quite welcome a change. So I might go to one of these DJ gigs.[/quote][/size] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]I went to a ‘proper’ club night last year - first time in [i]ages[/i] - The Warehouse Project in Manchester. 4000 or so punters. Certainly having it large.[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Quite strict searches and sniffer dogs on the door… until it got to me and my mates. We were waved through without even a cursory fondle, I can only assume because we looked too old to be capable of indulging in ‘substances’.[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]All this despite me being loaded on that morning’s Haliborange and some Boots own brand hayfever tablets. Suckers! [/size] [/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]Was a fun night. Not really any different to how I remember rave culture to be, but the crowd were lovely and evidently enjoying themselves.[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]I’m going again in December to see Leftfield…[/size][/size][/font]

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1439208914' post='2840813'] I remains unconvinced. As I have never danced for more than 12 seconds, I would not consider myself to be part of MC Dynorod's target audience and shall consequently leave the matter rest. [/quote] MC Dynorod is disappointed...

Reason (version 8) and occasionally Ableton Live ('Lite' version 9).

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1439207675' post='2840795']OK, I would tend to count myself as pretty much an old fart too -- but bugger me if that wasn't pretty damned impressive. These guys must get through needles and crossfaders quicker than we do strings [/quote] Indeed they do! Although they use two-way needles (pointy on both sides), rather than the conventional needles I/we use at home (pointy one side, flat on the other). Regardless, it’s not a recommended way too treat vinyl if you’re precious about it Ironically (in the context of this thread)… this sort of thing has become an endangered “heritage” art form with the invention of modern digital mixers, which can beat match instantly and add automated scratch FX at the press of a button. But the same applies to vinyl in pretty much any setting these days. PS: another nice example from dannybuoy above. [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1439208076' post='2840801'] Reading this thread I feel as if I've time-travelled back two decades. On the upside, being back in 1995 means I know which horse will win the Northern Aggregates Selling Stakes at Catterick. A splurge on Euro Express at 7/1 is a cert. [/quote]

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1439198314' post='2840636'] ...and apparently they class themselves as musicians. Can anyone of you youngsters explain all of this to an old feller? [/quote] Old news Rob! I was a music hack (mid-late 90s) during the rise of the “Superstar DJs” - mostly born out the Ibiza scene - people like Sasha, Carl Cox, Roger Sanchez [i](keep up!)[/i] who could regularly command fees of $10K per night. That particular scene has wained a little since then, but their modern counterparts - David Guetta, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris - still earn megabucks. I think DJ’ing [i]can[/i] be considered a form of musicianship in some contexts… for instance, scratch DJing has evolved into something called turntablism, which is quite exciting to watch/listen to, albeit in small doses - example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr3ftsCVXhc Aside from that, it’s less about sense of musicianship and more about simply fuelling a party. And that is a skill itself… I used to DJ clubs and bars around Manchester (1990s), and there’s a knack to ensuring a dancefloor is full of people. It’s not quite as simple as just playing good records; you need a sense of ‘lateral dynamics’ [i](I just made that term up!)[/i], ebb and flow, to control the energy of a crowd throughout the night. And it is very much about [u]dancing[/u]… many young people just like bouncing around to loud electronic music. Especially when enjoying an altered state of mind. I’m too old for that sort of nonsense nowadays, but there was a time when I partook in such shenanigans and it’s a very different experience to attending a gig - dare I say more 'tribal'. I mean, when was the last time you saw people dancing - I mean [i]really[/i] dancing - at a conventional gig? It’s a rarity if it ever happens; whereas it’s the raison-d'etre in club culture. But none of this is new. My father-in-law and his friends were doing exactly the same during the 50s and 60s during the Northern Soul movement. DJs and dodgy substances included And people back then used to raise an eyebrow for exactly the same reasons they do today... although the DJs were paid a lot less. Granted

[size=4]Great entries so far.[/size] [size=4]I managed to make a start on mine over the weekend. No flouncy pianos or other real instruments for me this month... it's shaping up to be more my usual staple of MIDI and sample-based perversion. Plus ethnic stuff.[/size] [size=4]That said, I still can't stop humming 'Eye of the Tiger'... thanks xgsjx! Grrr.[/size]

I run an iMac with specs far more humble than those and it works for me Difficult to recommend a specific laptop. The short story is that you want as much processor speed and RAM as you can afford. So I'd suggest setting yourself a budget and use that as a guide.

[size=4]I’ve never used such software myself, but it sounds interesting.[/size] [size=4]The closest I’ve experienced is the ‘jamming’ mode on the computer game Rocksmith [i](itself a surprisingly fun little practice tool)[/i], which allows you to play accompanied by a virtual band that does its best to match your tempo, melody, etc. It’s fun when it works; but it’s a pain when the ‘band’ lags behind the playing, which always causes me to trip up. Yeah, I blame the tools! [/size] [size=4]I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before these sorts of products become more natural and 'human'...[/size]

Wow! Loved it. Cheers for sharing.

Bought a second hand Fender Strat copy on Gumtree for £20. Turned out to be a 1970s 'vintage fake' worth around £500 [smug face] http://basschat.co.uk/topic/211966-just-bought-a-vintage-fake-now-refurbished/ I've since refurbished it as per the thread above and have decided it's a keeper. Plays and sounds great.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1438968735' post='2839108']Logic has a fantastic bagpipe sample. I'll make you a wee tune with it next week if I get time between making cake. [/quote] NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! But I do love cake, if you're offering

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1438963816' post='2839055']im going to try and do something outside my comfort zone for this..... see if i can pull it off[/quote] Go for it Rob! [quote name='fingers211' timestamp='1438966873' post='2839080']bagpipes ? ............................!![/quote] NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Boats! They use boats. Look, proof: Explains the bhodran and my planned berimbau. Although they apparently [i]detest[/i] bagpipes. Just saying, in case...

[size=4][quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1438936465' post='2838725']The great Brazilian Tiger..... I know him well.[/quote][/size] You must be the only person who does[font="Helvetica"][size=4]… [/size][/font] [font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]My idea is currently a cross between Brazilian capoeira music and Caribbean dancehall/[color=#545454][font=Arial]reggaeton. [/font][/color][/size][color=#545454][font=Arial][size=4]Neither of which countries are home to tigers, granted. But that's what I'm hearing in my head; so that's where I'm heading... And besides, tigers are good swimmers, right?[/size][/font][/color][/size][/font]

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1438893685' post='2838552'] I think it was "what goes before CMY?". [/quote] I'm glad it goes before and not after... otherwise that would be "CMY BLX", and that's definitely not something I want to see so soon after breakfast. Yours not mine, that is. I'm obviously familiar with my own

[quote name='Leonard Smalls' timestamp='1438881366' post='2838404'] There's flute, some sitar, tablas...[/quote] Mine might feature a berimbau* if I can get my arse in gear this month... [size=3]*I used to play one. True story.[/size]

Some suggestions for making music on mobile devices in our very own 'Beginners Guide to Home Recording' - post #7: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/248509-beginners-guide-to-home-recording/"]http://basschat.co.u...home-recording/[/url] My own personal fave is [url="http://www.blipinteractive.co.uk"]Nanostudio[/url]... it's quite literally a DAW in your pocket [i](or are you pleased to see me... eh, eh?).[/i] [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1438870867' post='2838269'] Yep, I suppose there is a lot of pinching, scrolling and swiping. I find it ok for sketching, but quite limiting for anything serious. [/quote] ^ That's my take on it. I occasionally fiddle with mobile Apps when travelling or sat on the sofa, but not much beyond that. Although it might be a fun experiment... hmmm.

[font=Helvetica][size=3] [size=4]I always find this [i]very[/i] useful:[/size][/size][/font] [font=Helvetica] [url="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Moaning+on+basschat...+is+it+normal%3F"][size=5][b]CLICK FOR ANSWERS[/b][/size][/url][/font]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1438440663' post='2834556'] Chali 2na is supreme. i met him in birmingham last year and he was such a nice person. what a voice tone, what a funky rapper. [/quote] Loved that! Right up my street, musically-speaking. Cheers for sharing

You can say the same about any vintage or antique item... be it a chest of drawers, a motorbike, a book or indeed, a bass guitar. Some old stuff just has an inherent value to some people. It might be because it comes from a time when the item in question was made to a high standard; or because the item is no longer in production; or because it has a lot of 'heritage' (or mojo); etc. It doesn't follow that old instruments are by default [i]better[/i] than new ones. In a lot of cases the opposite is probably true. I'm no antique hunter myself but I do like old stuff, simply because it's old